In a stunning fashion, Wisconsin, Green Bay pulled off a monumental upset at Truist Arena, taking down Northern Kentucky 87-84. The Phoenix, ranked 238 in the net rankings, entered the contest as significant underdogs, with CHD Scout predicting a 9.6-point victory for the Norse. However, Green Bay had other plans, riding a balanced attack and key performances from their stars to secure a crucial win.
Donovan Oday was phenomenal for Northern Kentucky, posting 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Phoenix's relentless effort. C.J. O'Hara led the charge for Green Bay, scoring 23 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, while Marcus Hall chipped in with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Phoenix's supporting cast, including Caden Wilkins, also made significant contributions, helping to offset the Norse's high-powered offense.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Green Bay taking a 35-31 lead into halftime. Northern Kentucky surged in the second half, with Tae Dozier and LJ Wells providing key scoring punches, but the Phoenix refused to back down. The Norse's 41-point second half wasn't enough to overcome Green Bay's 37 points in the same period, as the Phoenix held on for the 3-point victory.
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The upset win has real consequences for both teams. For Green Bay, this victory marks a crucial Quadrant 3 win, bolstering their tournament resume. Conversely, the loss is a devastating Quadrant 4 defeat for Northern Kentucky, which could severely hinder their postseason aspirations. The Norse, ranked 189 in the net rankings, cannot afford many more losses like this if they hope to make a push for the tournament.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction, which had Northern Kentucky winning by nearly 10 points, was woefully inaccurate. The actual result was a reflection of Green Bay's determination and resilience, as they fought tooth and nail to secure the upset. As the season enters its final stretch, the Phoenix want to build on this momentum, while the Norse will aim to regroup and refocus.
This result will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the tournament chances of both teams. Green Bay's win improves their net ranking and adds a much-needed quality victory to their resume. Meanwhile, Northern Kentucky's loss will likely drop them in the rankings and put their postseason hopes in jeopardy. As the college basketball landscape continues to shift, one thing is certain: Green Bay's upset win over Northern Kentucky will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the season.